acquiescence

noun

ac·​qui·​es·​cence ˌa-kwē-ˈe-sᵊn(t)s How to pronounce acquiescence (audio)
Synonyms of acquiescence
1
: the act or action of acquiescing
—often used with to
his acquiescence to their demands
2
: the quality or state of being acquiescent : passive assent or submission
an attitude of acquiescence

Synonyms of acquiescence

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Examples of acquiescence in a Sentence

good manners demanded our cheerful acquiescence to our host's plans for dinner
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There are similar issues in competitive races in Kansas, Iowa and Ohio, where Republican acquiescence could hurt the party on Election Day as their constituents face factory layoffs, farm foreclosures and higher prices. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Their acquiescence to this encroachment on their powers has made these politicians increasingly dependent on a dysfunctional national government. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 But many assumptions that Stratos’ investors or Utah politicians might have had about Box Elder County – about either the acquiescence of its people or the barrenness of its landscape – have been proved wrong over the past few months. — Melanie Stetson Freeman, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Sep. 2026 Oil has long funded the Gulf’s expensive social contract, in which governments provide citizens with cushy jobs and high-quality services in return for political acquiescence. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for acquiescence

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, from acquiescer "to acquiesce" + -ence -ence

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of acquiescence was in 1612

Rhymes for acquiescence

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Browse Nearby Words

acquiesce
acquiescence
acquiescency
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Cite this Entry

“Acquiescence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acquiescence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on acquiescence

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about acquiescence

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